Optical Simulation Engineer Jobs in Southfield, MI

Job Description
Our Mission:
At General Motors, our product teams are redefining mobility. Through a human-centered design process, we create vehicles and experiences that are designed not just to be seen, but to be felt. We're turning today's impossible into tomorrow's standard -from breakthrough hardware and battery systems to intuitive design, intelligent software, and next-generation safety and entertainment features.
Every day, our products move millions of people as we aim to make driving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale
Location: Hybrid (Onsite 1-3 days/week (Tues., Wed., Thurs.)
Organization: Global Instrument Panel Cluster & HUD Engineering
Job Type: Full-Time (Hybrid)
Role Overview
The HUD Optical Senior Engineer is responsible for end-to-end ownership of optical system performance design across development and validation. This role drives build to print design definition, execution, and governance of optical design and validation, ensuring robust execution, early issue identification, and alignment across programs. This position is a key enabler of GM's in-house HUD strategy.
Key Responsibilities

• Own optical system performance across requirements, design, validation, and launch
• Design for build to print, Head Up Display relay optics ensuring the FOV, luminance, distortion, ghosting, image stability design criteria are enabled
• Create 3D optical models and simulations encompassing the Head Up Display relay optics, ray bundle, eye-box, reflection scatter, windshield wedge, and thermal loads.
• Lead optical design direction and performance trade-offs
• Develop and govern optical validation strategies (virtual, bench, vehicle)
• Drive early risk identification through optical simulation and system-level validation
• Ensure design alignment with mechanical, electrical, and software interfaces
• Lead supplier Optical design reviews to assess feasibility and risks
• Ensure optical design alignment to Head Up Display strategy for dimming and brightness control
• Support prototype and production root cause analysis and resolution of optical issues
• Provide clear, data-driven updates and recommendations to leadership

Tools & Software Requirements

• Optical simulation tools (Ansys, Zemax, Speos, LightTools)
• 3D CAD tools (NX, Vis MockUp, CATIA, Creo)
• Optical visualization and rendering tools
• Data analysis tools (MATLAB, Python)
• Validation and issue tracking tools (Jira, PRTS)
• Virtual validation and model correlation platforms

Organizational Impact

• Establish clear ownership and governance of optical build to print design and performance
• Drive consistent execution and engineering rigor across programs
• Enable early optical design issue detection and reduce late-stage rework
• Strengthen cross-functional alignment
• Support scalable, GM-owned HUD capability

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in optical system design or validation
• Experience with optical simulation tools
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in automotive HUD systems
• Knowledge of advanced optics (waveguide, AR, projection systems)
• Experience with virtual validation and model correlation
• Familiarity with GM processes (PRTS, ECR, validation frameworks)
• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD)
• DFSS / Six Sigma experience

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Why Join Us
At GM, you'll be at the forefront of shaping the future of connected, electric, and autonomous vehicles. You'll work on cutting-edge antenna systems alongside some of the brightest minds in automotive and RF technology - with the resources to make an impact at scale. We offer competitive compensation, growth opportunities, and a culture that values innovation, inclusion, and forward thinking. This is a unique opportunity to lead, innovate, and help millions of customers around the world stay connected on the move.
Bonus Potential: An incentive pay program offers payouts based on company performance, job level, and individual performance.
Benefits: GM offers a variety of health and wellbeing benefit programs. Benefit options include medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement savings plan, sickness and accident benefits, life insurance, paid vacation & holidays, tuition assistance programs, employee assistance program, GM vehicle discounts and more.
Diversity Information
General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that workforce diversity creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers. We understand and embrace the variety through which people gain experiences whether through professional, personal, educational, or volunteer opportunities.
We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications and apply for any positions that match your skills and capabilities.
About GM
Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.
Why Join Us
We believe we all must make a choice every day - individually and collectively - to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.
Benefits Overview
From day one, we're looking out for your well-being-at work and at home-so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.
Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)
General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.
All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.
We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.
Accommodations
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